Kunle Adelabu
The Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, was among the eminent personalities, state functionaries and political leaders that graced the special Community Hymn Singing in commemoration of the 79th birthday celebration of the former Deputy Governor of the State, Prince Abiodun Ogunleye.
The Hymn service was held at the Patriarch Bolaji Methodist Cathedral, Ita-Elewa, Ikorodu on Sunday, November 3, 2019.
Governor Sanwo-Olu was represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr Tayo Ayinde.
The Governor, in his goodwill message to the celebrant, commended him for his distinguished service to the state.
“It is with profound pleasure that I extend this goodwill message in felicitation with you and your family as you celebrate your 79th birthday anniversary.
“Your commitment and dedication to the growth and development of Lagos State are apparent in your distinguished service to the state; both as a Deputy Governor as well as a two-term Commissioner in the State’s Executive Council.
“As you celebrate your birthday anniversary, you stand tall amongst your fellow men as one who exemplifies the very best of your generation, as your life has been defined by a sense of duty which you have proven time and again in service to this state. There is, therefore, no better time to appreciate your hard work, commitment and sense of duty than on the occasion of your birthday.
“On behalf of the Lagos Sate Government, I congratulate you and the entire Prince Abiodun Ogunleye family on this milestone and I wish you many more glorious years in fulfilment and continued distinguished service to the glory of the Almighty” , Gov. Sanwo-Olu stated while felicitating with the former Deputy Governor.
Prince Ogunleye, while speaking during the event to mark his birthday, was full of thanks to God for the preservation of his life as well as that of his family members, political associates, the Governor of the state Church members and well-wishers.
“I give thanks to God for the gift of life”, Prince Ogunleye stated thankfully.
“I want to thank the Executive Governor of Lagos State represented by the Chief of Staff, Mr Tayo Ayinde.
“I also thank the members GAC (Governor’s Advisory Council) for their presence.
The celebrant also appreciated the presence of APC leadership in Ikorodu Division and the Choir of the Church for making the Hymn Singing Service memorable with their songs.
Former Secretary to the Lagos State Government (SSG) and former Commissioner for Education, Asiwaju Olorunfunmi Basorun , led the list of eminent individuals that presented tunes at the special Community Hymn Singing.
Asiwaju Basorun introduced the song, ‘EMHB 12 – Praise my soul the king’, with the tune, ‘Praise my soul/Regent square’.
Another former SSG, Princess Aderenle Ogunsanya, presented ‘EMHB 8 – O worship the king’, with the tune, ‘Hanover/Laudate Domino’.
The third song for the celebration, ‘I will sing the wondrous story’ , with the tune, ‘HYFRYDOL/CURVDALE’, was presented by the former Head of Service in the State, Aremo Adesegun Ogunlewe.
Immediate past Commissioner for Physical Planning & Urban Development, Lagos State, Prince Rotimi Ogunleye, who is a relative of the celebrant, presented, ‘EMHB 525 – Through all the changing scenes of life’, with the tune, ‘WILTRSHIRE.
Other presenters were daughter of the celebrant, Mrs Olajumoke Fajana, his son, Prince Gbolahan Adetokunbo Ogunleye, Chairman, Ikorodu Local Government, Hon. Wasiu Ayodeji Adesina, Chairman, Ikorodu North Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. Ade Adebisi Banjo, Chairman, Ikorodu West LCDA, Hon. (Princess) Jumoke Jimbo-Ademehin and former Executive Secretary, Ijede LCDA, Pastor Rasaq Olawunmi Ajetunmobi.
A special presentation of a song for the celebration, ‘This is the land of our heritage’ , was presented by Sir ‘Soji Onafowokan, KCW, the Choirmaster.
Other dignitaries at the service were Sen. Adeseye Ogunlewe, former Minister of Works, Sen. Anthony Adefuye, Hon. Nurudeen Solaja, member, Lagos State House of Assembly, Alhaji Babatunde Rotinwa, Chairman, Lagos State Local Government Commission, Prince Bayo Oshinyemi, Special Adviser to the Governor of Lagos State on Chieftaincy Matters, , Engr. Wasiu Olokunola, former Permanent Secretary, Infrastructures, Lagos State, Alhaji Gafaar Musbau, former Vice Chairman, APC, Alhaji Junaid Owokodu, former Chairman, Ikorodu LG, Sir David Sunmoni, former Accountant – General, Lagos State, Sir Ayodele Elesho, former Commissioner for Information, Hon. Wasiu Agoro, Chairman, Imota LCDA, Hon. Salisu Fathiu, Chairman, Ijede LCDA, Alhaji Badru Enifeni, Secretary Apex APC in Ikorodu Division, Prince Tajudeen A. Odofin, former Commissioner for Finance, Lagos State, Sir Ladi Sowemimo, former President of Oriwu Club and Yeye Bolanle Basorun, former Executive Secretary, Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA.
Others were Prince Bode Ogunleye, former President, Oriwu Club, Prince Kunle Oyebola, former President, Oriwu Club, Alhaji Olutusin, Olootu (Head) of Rademo Ruling House, Mr Sogo Oshikoya, Head of Administration, Egbe Idimu LCDA, Prince Bayo Ogunleye, former Vice Lay President, The African Church, Yeye Fausat Gbadebo, APC Woman Leader, Lagos East Senatorial District, Sir I. K. Shokunbi, KJW, Baba Ijo Patriarch Bolaji Methodist Cathedral Church, Ikorodu, Otunba Fatai Olukoga, former Special Adviser, Education, Sir (Dr.) Ayo Ajayi, KLW, Medical Director, Ajayi Hospital, Ikorodu, Yeye Bolanle Basorun, former Executive Secretary, Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA, Princess Folashade Olabanji-Oba, Vice Chairman, Ikorodu Local Government, Hon. Olanrewaju Sunmi Odesanya, Barr. Adeboye Dankwo, Prince Lanre Balogun, former Commissioner for Rural Development, Lagos State, Arch. Taiwo Kara, Otunba Fatai Olukoga, former Special Adviser on Education and Mrs Funmilayo Basorun Osinowo.
